UN Tourism Backs Global Challenge For Sustainable Travel

Tourism is more than holidays — it sustains communities, drives economies and creates opportunities. In 2023, the sector accounted for over 10 per cent of global GDP and supported 319 million jobs. Yet as travel rebuilds after recent global shocks, it faces urgent questions around climate change, inequality and accessibility.

To respond, UN Tourism has launched the Social Innovation Challenge, a global call for entrepreneurs and startups to design people-centred and tech-driven solutions that deliver measurable impact.

Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, says: “Innovation is not just about technology—it’s about empowering people, preserving our planet, and shaping a more inclusive and resilient future for global tourism. Globally, social enterprises contribute over 5 per cent of GDP in many countries and employ millions, with a significant focus on tackling inequality, environmental sustainability, and community development. This challenge is a call to action for solutions that place social innovation and equality at the heart of tourism.”

The challenge focuses on three areas: community-based tourism that empowers locals, inclusivity and accessibility for travellers with specific needs, and green projects that reduce the environmental footprint of tourism while encouraging smarter, regenerative growth.

Education plays a central role in the initiative. With support from the Sommet Education Foundation and its renowned hospitality school Les Roches, winners will receive scholarships for advanced programmes in Spain, ensuring the brightest ideas are backed with world-class training. Up to six full scholarships will be awarded, alongside mentoring through the UN Tourism Innovation Network.

Finalists will also gain the opportunity to pitch at the UN Tourism Demo Day, connect with more than 90 investors and corporations across 160 countries, and access global platforms such as the Silicon Valley Summit.

Applications are open until December 8, 2025 for startups and scaleups ready to deliver solutions with at least a viable product. For UN Tourism, this challenge is not just about supporting entrepreneurs — it is about shaping a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future for travel worldwide.

Anouck Weiss, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of the Sommet Education Foundation, said: “At Sommet Education Foundation, we are committed to empowering the next generation of changemakers through access to world-class hospitality education. By supporting the Social Innovation Challenge, we aim to not only foster inclusive and sustainable tourism—but also to provide the skills and knowledge needed to shape bold ideas into innovative products and services. These scholarships will enable individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter prestigious institutions like Les Roches, equipping them with the tools to drive meaningful social impact. Education is the engine of transformation, and through this initiative, we are nurturing talent that will lead tourism into a more resilient, equitable, and regenerative future.”

Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches, added: “Tourism has the power to transform societies, elevate communities, and inspire global progress when anchored in inclusivity and sustainability. At Les Roches, we believe education is the spark that turns ideas into movements and equips hospitality leaders to shape the future. By supporting the Social Innovation Challenge alongside the Sommet Education Foundation and UN Tourism, we are helping accelerate solutions that can deliver real impact for communities and the planet.”